Steamboat Era Museum president Richard Wilson III requested the town continue its annual support of $30,000. Wilson said the museum website receives an average of 1,000 hits a week, and emphasized the growing role of the museum in drawing tourism dollars into the town economy.

Wilson also reported to council on the status of the restoration of the steamboat Potomac pilot house, currently stored on town property. Wilson said the museum will be conducting a feasibility study in mid-July pertaining to the restoration and integration of the pilot house into the museum building.

“We are just trying to make a businessman’s decision. Here is what it is going to cost, can we raise it?” said Wilson. “It is going to have to be raised outside of the community, but there are a lot of people who are interested in historic preservation, and interested in the steamboat era.”

Council member Robert Westbrook said it would be more “reasonable” for the museum to postpone any major projects involving the pilot house until the museum is more independent of the town.

Westbrook later proposed that of the $30,000 budgeted for contributions to the museum, $20,000 be withheld pending the removal of the pilot house from town property.

Dudley Patteson of the Irvington Business Association presented a resolution passed by members of the IBA at a recent meeting.

“We want to become more involved in trying to forge a future for this town that benefits all,” said Patteson.

The resolution listed three goals council should focus on as the budget is finalized, including a quality plan that addresses public access to the water, a tourism plan addressing town information and branding, and a street-scape plan including bike trails, signage and lighting.

Following the budget hearing, zoning administrator Bob Hardesty said tennis court repairs would begin in July. Hardesty also mentioned that residents are erecting fences without the proper permits and urged council to be vigilant in reporting violations.

Councilwoman Kathleen Pollard reported on proposed improvements to the town office, including new chairs, a new table and new carpeting. The cost is estimated at $7,000 to $8,000.

Council discussed the recurring problem of individuals driving a go-cart on town roads, and what actions could be taken. Town attorney Matson Te